Achieving emissions compliance with HJS retrofits
Exhaust systems specialist HJS has issued guidance for van fleet operators on the advantages of achieving low emission zone, ultra-low emission zone or clean air zone compliance via vehicle retrofit.
“Van owners may be unaware that they do not have to purchase a Euro 6 vehicle to be compliant to travel within emission control zones,” said HJS.
The company’s retrofit exhaust system can be fitted to Euro 5 vans making them Euro 6 compliant.
How much does an emission upgrade from Euro 5 to Euro 6 cost?
“There are some funding schemes available throughout the UK to assist with ULEZ and LEZ compliance, the largest being the Transport for London (TfL) scrappage and retrofit scheme,” explained the firm.
“This scheme provides a contribution of £6,000 (subject to eligibility) towards the cost of the retrofit which starts from £6,750 (plus VAT) depending on the complexity of individual vehicles.
“The scheme supports small businesses and sole traders registered in London with under 50 employees and will contribute toward the cost of retrofitting up to three vehicles.”
The application process is via a simple online form at the TfL website, says HJS. Vehicle owners will need to upload evidence to prove their identity and eligibility.
“In other towns and cities it is worth checking with your local authority to see if any funding schemes are available. “
What is the process of upgrading/retrofitting a van to make it compliant?
“A deposit is requested from the customer, together with full vehicle details,” explained HJS.
“Once the deposit is paid, on some occasions the system will be manufactured to order, with most of the more popular models are provided from stock which is located in the UK. The installation booking process takes around 2-3 weeks from deposit receipt to completion, and installations currently take place in Dunstable which is around 45 minutes north of London, as well as Swindon and Chester.”
“Installations are normally completed within one day, with only some, more complex installations taking a little longer.”
The HJS emission reduction system involves adding an underfloor catalyst together with an additional, typically chassis-mounted, tank for storing AdBlue.
“During the operation of the vehicle, AdBlue is pumped from the tank and is injected directly into the exhaust gas stream. The dirty gases mixed with AdBlue then pass over the catalyst which results in a reduction of NOx emissions.
“This method which is known as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), is the most widely used method of reducing NOx emissions used by most major vehicle manufacturers.”
The bespoke vehicle kits typically comprise of an SCR catalyst, AdBlue storage tank and pump, electronic control unit, driver information display, wiring loom, relay pack and a variety of electronic sensors. The freestanding system operates independently of the existing vehicle’s on board electronics system.
“Retrofitting is managed by the Energy Savings Trust (EST) under a scheme called the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS),” said HJS.
“The CVRAS scheme is responsible for ensuring that the suppliers of retrofit emission technologies and the systems that they develop, test and manufacture meet the required standards throughout the UK.
“Upon completion of the retrofit upgrade, an installation certificate is provided to the vehicle owner and HJS submits the details to the EST who instruct the authorities controlling the network of ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras that the vehicle has received its upgrade to the correct standard.”
In which cases does it make more sense to retrofit a vehicle to comply with emission zone requirements than purchase a new vehicle/fleet?
The cost of upgrading to a new, Euro 6 vehicle remains high, says HJS, which means that retrofitting is ideal for some owners.
“Many vehicle owners have customised or specially adapted their vehicles and for this reason do not necessarily want to replace their vehicle for a Euro 6 van.
“Vehicles that are in good mechanical condition and with a higher replacement cost and vehicles that have been specially equipped or adapted are perfect for retrofit. The HJS upgrade allows owners to keep a cherished vehicle and improving the resale value due to UK-wide emission zone compliance. “
